Central Florida is on the brink of a major water supply crisis, with regional planners warning that by 2045, the area could face a shortfall of nearly 96 million gallons of groundwater per day. The alarming projection is part of a comprehensive water supply plan currently being finalized by state and regional water management agencies.
According to the draft plan, “declines in groundwater levels, spring flows, river flows, lake levels, and wetlands quality have occurred as a result of groundwater development.” The report concludes that continued reliance on traditional groundwater sources is unsustainable and that “additional alternatives to fresh groundwater need to be developed and implemented to meet the projected water demands.”
The projected shortfall is driven by a combination of rapid population growth and increasing water demand across Central Florida’s urban and suburban communities. Without intervention, the region could face serious consequences, including drinking water shortages, environmental degradation, and economic disruption.
To address the crisis, the plan outlines a portfolio of alternative water supply projects that, if fully implemented, could collectively treat, store, or produce up to 514 million gallons of water per day—more than five times the projected shortfall.
The largest share of that water—nearly 279 million gallons per day—would come from surface water projects. These initiatives involve withdrawing water from major water bodies such as the St. Johns River and select lakes, then treating it for municipal or industrial use. While surface water is more abundant than groundwater, its use requires careful environmental oversight to avoid harming aquatic ecosystems.
The second-largest contributor to the alternative water supply would be reclaimed water, projected to provide about 130 million gallons per day. Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater that can be reused for irrigation, industrial cooling, and other non-potable purposes. Although it is not currently used for drinking in Florida, recent changes to state regulations have opened the door for future potable reuse under strict safety standards.
Other components of the plan include aquifer recharge projects, stormwater harvesting, and desalination—each offering smaller but important contributions to the region’s long-term water resilience.
The plan’s release comes at a critical time, as many Central Florida communities, including those in Volusia and Seminole counties, are already grappling with flooding, aging infrastructure, and environmental stress. Local leaders are being urged to act swiftly to secure funding, streamline permitting, and engage the public in conservation efforts.
If implemented effectively, the plan could not only avert a water crisis but also position Central Florida as a national leader in sustainable water management. But the clock is ticking.
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